Your Profession

[bykimbo]

That's what I've been noticing. What a variety! I don't think it's normal . . . a few people I know changed professions, and it was agonizing for them to take the chance. Maybe you're right . . . selling online is a new way to make a living, and the kind of people who are willing to take risks are the ones willing to give it a try?

Yes, could be something in that. "Only risk-takers need apply". :-)))

Actually, I left out a couple of mine. Full disclosure: my first job was washing dishes in an Italian restaurant. My second was a gofer in a small local bank, and I made more money washing dishes. (blush . . . the rest of them sound more impressive, maybe that's why I forgot these two).

One of my earlier jobs was PA to the Financial Director of a car rental company. Given the recent thread slagging off PAs for being brainless bubbleheads you can see why I didn't mention that immediately. As you can imagine, that impressed me as much as the people who come looking for help "because they're blonde". ;o)))

[somersethedge]

Yes, could be something in that. "Only risk-takers need apply". :-)))

the other thing I have noticed, not so much in this thread, but in treads in general, is the number of sellers who have some form of ill health (that stop them doing a "proper job") who tend to concentrate on on-line selling......

so maybe your statement should read..."only risk takers & the ill need apply" :-)

[bykimbo]

the other thing I have noticed, not so much in this thread, but in treads in general, is the number of sellers who have some form of ill health (that stop them doing a "proper job") who tend to concentrate on on-line selling......

so maybe your statement should read..."only risk takers & the ill need apply" :-)

My experience is that all online forums have a high percentage of the ill and disabled - bound to be so, since it's a perfect outlet for those who can't engage in more traditional forms of either community or employment (or aren't given the chance!)

[grahamec]

Started in general office work.
Became a WAAF as a Teleprinter Op
Ran a creche for pre school children
More office work
Cleaner
Sold Fish and Chips
Back to office work
Retired now I can spend time with my Grandson, but I don't have an off switch so when I finish my Reading, Gardening, Shopping and Housework I spend time on Ebid

[buttons-and-bows]

Well if we are confessing to jobs we didn't want to say anything about, I was also a French Maid with a little hat, fishnets and frilly knicks, at the Royal Variety club and other banquets.
And I also made telephone cables and worked in a fruit and veg shop ( forgot about them two)
The telephone cable one I had to leave as we had a bucket to put the waste paper in that we wrapped the wire up in and I kept sitting in it and falling asleep and getting stuck
I left the fruit and veg one as it was always full of wasps and I am terrifed of them to the extent that I almost go berserk if one comes near me.

[cornishmaid1961]

I think my most bizarre job was the part time one where I worked for the solicitor. The old files were stored in a vault down the old Bath stone mines !

I used to have to drive out to a remote area, practically in the middle of a field, and then go down the mine. I had to walk for about half a mile down tunnels underground before reaching the vault. After sorting out the boxes of files I needed I would have to walk the half mile back and send the workmen with their little tractor and trailor to pick up the boxes and then bring them on the conveyor belt to the surface. I used to joke that I went to work with my pick and shovel ! It was quite weird as it was so quiet. Occasionally I used to see one of the workmen down there or somebody else going to pick up something from another vault but for the most part I was on my own.

I feel really sorry for those men trapped down that mine in Chile at the moment knowing that they could be there for months.

[keepsakesbydesign]

Very varied jobs for so many, here I was thinking I was in the minority.

Cashier in Boston, MA
Waitress and then Deli worker in Phoenix, AZ
Factory worker in Fall River, MA
During college worked as a Theatre Hand on campus in Fall River, MA
Cashier in Fall River, Ma
Lead Line Cook, Swansee, Ma
Worked up from a Line Cook to Resturant Manager in Seattle, Wa
Worked up from Auditor to Hotel Manager in Youngstown, OH
Now stay at home Grandma to my three grandsons and artwork to sell online and here.

My favority job was working the Theatre with all those creative people. I also got to design the set for a local theatre group for The Importance of being Earnest. and did the graphics for many different playbills, signs and tickets.

[fishingmathsman]

Prep school teacher (for non UK folks, that's an independent school for children up to the age of 13) - which is very demanding, but pays peanuts. So, I'm, of course, a part time seller on Ebid (and occassionally, but increasingly less, on feebay).

Andy

[burgyeb]

Reflecting back on my job/career activities left me feeling a bit like a divided personality :-)

As a minor/youth I worked as a babysitter, chambermaid, waitress; and then nailed a youth postal mail sorter position.

Next college student was my main profession; sprinkled with a position as a barmaid (I worked along side one of the Harlem Globe Trotters). Our boss owned the Harlem Globetrotters. Also worked as a nurses aide.

After school, somewhat restless in traditional job market, but.........
Nurse
Directed AIDS Service Organization (Federal Funding)
Grant Writer
Business & Program Development
Entrepreneur
Online Sales (Part Time Hobby)

I seemed more content with traditional work when I was young (youth/young adult). I have grown increasingly restless, with a strong dislike for working for others in a traditional setting. Think I need to come into a wind fall of resources so I can have the freedom to generate income in a non-restricted environment. :-)

[Anniemcc2]

Trainee Librarian alongside 'A' levels, then Assistant Librarian

Moved overseas for 10 years after marriage, thanks to F.C.O.
After 10 years, returned to UK - full-time Mum
then helping husband manage busy newsagents shop/s
started home-based mail-order craft supplies +
opened/closed my own b&m needlework shop

Taking orders over the phone for 8 1/2 years with Kays/Gt Universal/Littlewoods
Began online trading to clear shop stock + personal home 'clearance' to make way for my new interest - researching my family history.

After redundancy, now part-time on Customer Services desk in local Tesco + part-time online trading to earn extra money to pay for holidays and any unexpected bills.